James 5 Starter Questions

James closes out his letter with several sections of "concern". Those concerns outlining chapter 5 are: vv 1-6 concerning the worthlessness of riches (though not the rich) in light of eternity. vv 7-11 concerning patience in the life of a Believer. v 12 concerning oaths vv 13-18 concerning prayer vv 19-20 concerning the wanderer v 1 James begins chapter turning his attention away from the "brothers" and to "you rich people". He declares judgment is coming and then lists several crimes against these persons. What are they? v 2 The first charge is the wicked rich have hoarded various forms of wealth (common to the time was clothing, grain, money, and oil). Apparently so much of the excess was stored up that it rotted, corroded, and was destroyed by moths. While so many around were struggling, their excess was going to waste. How does the world view money? How should a Christian? Is there a difference in how a true follower of Christ and a non-believer view financial resources? vv 3-4 The Greek word for corrosion is katiotai and may refer to rust, tarnish, or corrosion. Obviously gold and silver don't rust, but the metal that stored their treasure shows how long they have been hoarding wealth and allowed it to go idle. While saving wealth is not a sin, the problem of these "evil rich folks" was that they have been refusing to pay their workers who began to starve, which is their second crime.

The reference "the last days" shows that James had the Judgement in mind. The regards the whole period between Christ's first and second coming as "the last days" (see Hebrews 1:1-2, 1 John 2:18). What impact does or should have on you? v 5 The third charge is their love for money has caused them to use and oppress people. What does 1 Timothy 6:10 have to say about the "love of money"? Is money the problem? Does the root problem impact other responsibilities? If so, which ones and how so? v 6 The final crime is that these "evil rich people" have murdered innocent men. in 2:6 the rich are accused of dragging believers into court, here they are charged with murder. Can you recall any examples from Scripture of Christians being dragged into court? Any murdered? (See Acts 6:11-12, 57-60; Acts 12:1-5; Luke 22:54,66, 23:1,33).

Why does suffer so much persecution? How do people feel about accountability? Do you think many people believe that after they become a Christian, everything in life will go well in their life? Why or why not?

In this next section, James turns his attention back to Christians and illustrates the necessity of patience in the Believers life.

1 v 7 It's likely that James is now addressing many of those Christians who are persecuted by the "evil rich people" previously addressed. Think about a time when you perhaps were unfairly treated or even persecuted for being a Christian. What was your response in that situation? How might patience help someone who is persecuted for their beliefs and relationship with Jesus? v 8 How does "knowing the Lord's coming" is near supposed to comfort the suffering Believer? Does this fact comfort you? v 9 Believer's are to be patient toward outsiders who oppress them and insiders who irritate them. The Greek word for grumble has less to do with open complaint but more to do with inner frustration going unchecked can lead to a smothered resentment and often expresses itself as a sigh or groan. How might this compare with 1 Samuel 16:7. vv 10-11 How might the patience of these Believer's who have gone before encourage you? v 12 "above all" James seems to be echoing his Big Brother's words in :34-37. Why is this important for Christians? Does it have anything to do with our character and trustworthiness? What happened to the boy who cried wolf?

This passage falls into two sections. Verses 13-16 constitute a call for prayer in every circumstance of life; vv. 17-18 illustrate the effectiveness of sincere prayer. v 13 The experience here James alludes to is being "in trouble." James uses the same Greek verb form kakopathei, which he used in verse 10 to describe the troubles the prophets endured. What should be a Believer's response to troubles? Are we to grumble in bitterness or frustration? Are we to express ourselves in oaths of desperation? What role does prayer play in your challenging moments in life? Can prayer develop patience in our lives? v 14 Oil in James day served both medicinal and spiritual purposes (see Luke 10:30-37, 1 Samuel 16:1-13). As Christians should there be separation between the physical and spiritual? What does it mean that Jesus is both Lord of the body and spirit?

James gives some special detail where prayer is needed. The term elders (poimainein) is used elsewhere in Scripture (Titus 1:5, 7 and Acts 20:17, 28) All uses are equated. Elders are instructed to do the work of an overseer or pastor. Especially noteworthy is that prayer is the main verb while anoint is a participle. See Acts 6:4 for church leadership priorities.

There has been much confusion over this text. There are a number of reasons for understanding this application of oil as medicinal rather than sacramental. The word aleipsantes (anoint) is not the usual word for sacramental or ritualistic anointing. James could have used the verb chrio if that had been what he had in mind. Aleipho means "to daub or smear", and chrio means "to anoint".

Oil was one of the most common medicines of biblical times (Is 1:6, Lk 10:34). Josephus also records that Herod the Great was bathed in oil upon his death in hopes of being healed, though it failed. 2 v 15 The assurance is given that prayer "will make the sick person well." If it was sin that occasioned his sickness, "he will be forgiven". This suggests the possibility that, because of persistence in sin, God allows sickness (or sent it) as a disciplinary agent. The conditional clause "if he has sinned" indicates that not all sickness is a result of sin.

v 16 Ultimately, no Christian is to be alone when it comes to suffering sickness. How might you be a source of encouragement to a sick brother or sister in Christ? vv 17-18 Do you think such prayers are within your reach? vv 19-20 Scripture teaches that once a person is regenerated, he can never be lost. It may be assumed that his hypothetical wanderer is not a genuine believer. He would be one among the church who lives either a superficial life or genuine believes they are a Christian. Genuine brings full forgiveness of the wanderer's sins and they are covered, never to be held against him again. As difficult as it may be to win such a person to a saving faith, the eternal results make it infinitely worthwhile.

3